01. Hymn Of Inversion02. Idylls Of The Cave03. To Quicken Stone04. The Void Is The Heart Of The Flame05. Ophidian Crucifix06. Hierurgy

As I said once upon a time, the rebellious, anti conventional spirit at the heart of black metal made it destined to be an art that would one day transcend its own conventions. In the 2010s we've been seeing more and more bands demonstrate the truth of this principle, but as for the young Panegyrist… something about this bunch feels especially unique and powerful.

The Americans in Panegyrist are currently signed to I, Voidhanger Records, and if one knows anything about that label and its penchant for out of the box, atmospherically inclined black metal, one could reasonably expect something along those lines out of Panegyrist and their Hierurgy debut. The music here could likely be deemed progressive black metal, but is still quite distinct for the brand, feeling very multifaceted and technical while also unusually bouncy and catchy as well for what listeners may have come to expect out of the prog black style. Shifts and blends in mood and delivery abound here, being a definite treat for those who enjoy the "discover something new on each listen" type of albums. A midtempo black metal approach dominates, with repetitious, dreamlike melodies served to great effect, enhanced by deliciously intricate and audible bass lines, impressive drum and keyboard work, and a truly phenomenal blend of clean and shrieked vocals, the former being one of the most enjoyable aspects of Hierurgy.

Despite their music certainly being unorthodox enough on its own, where Panegyrist truly shine and demonstrate their atypical nature is really in the lyrical and thematic departments. Glancing at the cover artwork for Hierurgy, one appears to notice a Cherubim-like being, and closer inspection of the intricate lyrics indeed appears to present a heavy influence of Christian lore and mysticism. This has already begun to bring Panegyrist the "Christian black metal" label, but that's something listeners may want to read the word of the writer on before forming their own final judgments. The lyrical content and the music complement each other especially well, the writing and its dynamic portrayals of love, evil, curiosity, and more mirroring the highly layered and shapeshifting nature of the music. Albums that accomplish this tight synthesis of inner theme and outward application always make my mouth water, and in this regard Panegyrist certainly satisfy the itch with their debut.

Panegyrist do many things with Hierurgy, but perhaps most importantly they demonstrate that, ironically or not, topics commonly shunned and deemed as too "normal" in black metal culture may perhaps be a lot darker, more subversive, ethereal, and "black metal" than one may be quick to believe. With the band's intriguing, Gnostic-like take on Christianity and their quirky prog influences, they certainly stay true to the black metal spirit of the rejection of imposed norms, and, for lack of a better phrase, doing one's own thing, albeit in a highly unexpected manner. And for that, they will certainly be receiving a close eye of attention from yours truly in the future.